The Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, over looking the Arabian Sea, is located at a distance of 15 kilometers from Porbandar. Being a part of the ex-princely private State of Ranavava and Jamnagar, it is also known as Rana Barda and Jam Barda. In the year 1979, this beautiful destination, with rich flora and fauna, located in Porbandar and Jamnagar districts, was marked as a sanctuary.
Spread on a wide area of 192.31 sq. km., the sanctuary is made up of lush green forests. Its hilly tract ranges between 79.2 meters to 617.8 meters above sea level. The sanctuary is surrounded by dams, runnels and narrow streams, which crisscross the gentle slopes and bulging rocks. Bileshvary and Joghri are the two rivers found running through the sanctuary. These rivers depend upon the monsoon rains and other water sources. The two dams near the sanctuary are Khambala and Fodara.
The Barda Wildlife Sanctuary at Porbandar is home to a number of endangered species of mammals, birds and reptiles. Its rich flora has a collection of various species of medicinal plants. Once home to the Asiatic Lion, the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is now inhabited by lions, leopards, ratels, wolfs and species of deer including chinkaras, chittals (Spotted deers) and Sambhar. Apart from these, beautiful birds, including the migratory flamingos, spotted eagles and crested eagles can be spotted in this natural reserve of Gujarat. Amongst the reptiles, snakes, crocodiles and chameleons are commonly found here. It is said that of the four highly poisonous snake species found in India, three can be found here.
The Barda Wild Life Sanctuary in Porbandar, Gujarat, not only provides home to the endangered species of animals but also provides ecological security and stability to the neighboring regions. It is also a well-known destination amongst both the ornithologists and the tourists.
Last Updated on 19th January 2013
